A well-designed HVAC system is crucial for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a big investment. Every homeowner deserves the most efficient comfort solutions possible, which is why HVAC rebates are so worthwhile. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more budget friendly.
HVAC efficiency standards are climbing next year, so now’s an ideal time to explore your options. Different companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone procure a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward buying a new system. These furnaces include energy-efficient components such as variable-speed blower motors, which enable the thermostat to refine how much heating is generated. It’s a great way to lower energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates as less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also recommended for obtaining a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to learn which rebates you could be approved for. Equipment with the ENERGY STAR® rating means it satisfies your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.
Air Conditioner Rebates
Plenty of of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also applicable to air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for a system from a top brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to find out which makes and models are eligible. In addition, you can often join federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency air conditioner
Potential Rebates for Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an especially valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can optimize the daily schedule. Utility companies highly value this level of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. Over time, these rebates effectively permit you to get a free smart thermostat!
Your utility companies also provide programs where they swap lower rates for the capability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps minimize strain on the grid, namely when heat waves or cold fronts arrive. When registered in this program, your thermostat can automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
Other Ways to Save: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Equipment and Home Improvement Projects
A little different compared to rebates, tax credits are also available for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that offered credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The updated credits are now worth 30% of the cost and may be claimed every year instead of only once. These credits are obtainable for a much greater variety of projects, including home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are designed to offer the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency all over the country.
New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act contained separate legislation referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly geared toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by igniting fuel. To encourage more people to change to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are significantly higher than incentives for AC units and furnaces.
If the household’s income is below 80% of the local median, you could use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households that meet 80-150% of the typical income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.